Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Imperial College London will continue to collaborate in the study and research of low carbon transport technologies in the Pagoh Higher Education Hub (HPTP) in Johor.

Higher Education Minister Idris Jusoh said the research on low carbon transport technologies in the region involved an overall allocation of RM34 million.

"The research centre will cost more than RM21 million for the development of facilities and RM13 million for the purpose of human capital development which will focus on energy recovery and reduce carbon footprint.

"This centre brings together world-class research to develop this technology for future generations.

"The centre was established on Jan 22, last year, and will lead transport technology research in the region by encouraging and boosting innovation and training in the field of low carbon technology," he told reporters after the opening of the UTM Technology Research Centre for Low Carbon Transport in Pagoh today.

Idris said the establishment of the research centre was in line with the government's commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, as stated by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak at the United Nations Organisation Summit on Climate Change in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009.

Meanwhile, the ministry expects about 20 public universities in the country to be less dependent on government funding.

They must be able to generate their own funding through research and other initiatives like commercialisation of end-products, executive education, endowment funds and 'wakaf', as well as through involvement of their respective alumni.

He said there were some universities here relying on the government for more than 80 percent funding as compared to universities abroad.

- Bernama

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